Letter from the Executive Director: Kerri Kaplan

Spring 2011

We begin a new year with the good news that The Lustgarten Foundation approved $7 million in support of new, large-scale research projects. This brings the Foundation’s total investment in pancreatic cancer research to $38 million. The new projects range from basic science to clinical trials, and highlight valuable insights and discoveries gained through the years, many of which were possible with support from The Lustgarten Foundation.

The Holiday Rock & Roll Bash celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2010, and true to form, this one-and-only event raised a record-breaking $1.7 million for research at New York City’s legendary Hard Rock Café. Thanks to Cablevision’s multi-year commitment to underwrite all of The Lustgarten Foundation’s administrative costs, every dollar raised at the Bash will go directly to pancreatic cancer research. We bring you the story in the pages that follow.

In this issue of P&P we acknowledge with gratitude the ongoing fundraising efforts of the Marc Lustgarten Memorial Golf Outing, which celebrated its 7th year this past September. And, we recognize new efforts to raise dollars for research, such as the Run for Rona, whereby two long-time friends and fraternity brothers ran the 2010 ING New York City Marathon in memory of a fellow brother’s mother who was lost to the disease.

We also bring you an update on our ongoing curePC public awareness campaign, which launched a multi-faceted effort in recognition of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 2010. Research Update Corner reviews several exciting new studies that are shaping the way researchers look at the development, diagnosis and detection of the disease. And, our Donor Spotlighthighlights London Jewelers special effort to join with The Lustgarten Foundation in the fight against pancreatic cancer through the creation of a limited edition pendant to benefit our work. Already, the pendant has raised tens of thousands of vital dollars for research.

Finally, we thank our many dedicated friends for your important partnership in the fight. We look forward to another good year.